There are several changes for people who receive flexible funding through NASCs.
This will make flexible funding easier to use.
- Purchasing guidelines, including the March 2024 changes, will be removed next year.
- Disabled people will be able to choose how they spend their flexible funding to address barriers linked to their disability.
- Some sensitive or expensive items, such as international travel, will require pre-approval.
- Flexible funding cannot be used to buy items such as alcohol, tobacco and gambling.
Disabled people will get a budget so they know how much they can spend. They:
- are expected to manage within this budget
- will get guidance to help manage their budget.
Disabled people should contact their NASC or Host if they have concerns, or if their needs change.
Flexible funding may not be the best option for some disabled people. NASCs will continue to work to find the best support for them.
Including families and carers in assessments and providing identifiable funding to support them will help to improve their wellbeing. It will also provide other benefits. For example, it will support planning for situations where the family or carers can no longer provide care.
Setting flexible funding budgets
From 1 April 2026, the purchasing guidelines, including the March 2024 changes, will be removed.
People already using flexible funding will be allocated a budget. This will be based on how much flexible funding they have spent in the past. This budget will be in place until the disabled person’s reassessment, and their supports are reviewed.
From 1 April 2026 flexible budgets will be reallocated based on previous spend (June 2023 – June 2025).
It will take time for the new system to be set up. A transition period is needed so that disabled people can benefit from increased flexibility as quickly as possible.